When I was first diagnosed with postpartum depression, my psychiatrist told me to get my heart rate up to 160 every day. Studies show that this helps fight depression. He told me I did not need to keep my heart rate at 160 for a long time - a few seconds was enough.
If you have postpartum depression, or think you might, please see your doctor. But don't just rely on pills and monthly check-ups. Recovery is so much more than that. Try getting your heart rate up to 160 every day and see if that's a piece of your recovery puzzle.
If you are out of shape, you will not have to do much to get your heart rate up! Some jumping jacks might do the trick. If you are in excellent shape, then you probably have the exercise thing under control and you don't need any lectures from me!
You can do this. When my psychiatrist first told me to get my heart rate up, I felt so overwhelmed. Exercise? Every day? Impossible! How could I possibly be a good mother and get my heart rate up?
Now I know that was the PPD talking. When I exercise at home, Pippa is fascinated. She imitates my moves while I flail about and get my sweat glands working. When I go to the gym, she is thrilled because she gets to play with her friends at day care for an hour.
The goal is 160 every day - but whatever you can do, that is a good start. Carving out a few minutes for jumping jacks might seem overwhelming. YOU ARE NOT ALONE. If I could reach through your computer screen and give you a hug, I would. It is okay to feel overwhelmed. Your hormones have gone bat shit crazy! On the exercise front, do what you can. Congratulate yourself for what you do. Forgive yourself for what you can't.
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